A letter from CEED’s Board Chair, Thomas Pelletier, about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dear Friend of CEED,
We hope you will bear with us at CEED, as we adapt to the rapidly changing public health crisis created by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. We may need to cancel some programs to ensure safety. But our goal is to continue to meet and even extend our mission despite falling revenue due to program cancellations. As a still young organization without a deep financial base, we ask for your ongoing support.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- At a time when we are all feeling rattled and anxious, and many of us may soon feel some cabin fever, it’s good to remember the power of getting outdoors. This is CEED’s mission: get people outdoors, experiencing nature and learning about our environment. The benefits and wonderful restorative powers of nature will be more important in the coming weeks than ever before.
- CEED’s 60 acres of forest and trails are open to the public every day. Until we are able to restore the Washington Lodge, we aren’t able to welcome the public indoors, and during this public health crisis we are limiting use of the building even more to only essential employee and volunteer use. But we would love to see more visitors to the property – practicing good social distancing, of course – exploring the wilderness and hiking our trails. Renew your spirit any time you need it!
- If you want a guided tour of our trails before you head out on your own, join us on Saturday, March 21st for our CEED Woods Walk, rain or shine, from 10am to 11am. You’ll learn about trees and the natural history of our forest. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. It would help if you pre-register by emailing info@ceedli.org or call 631-803-6780, so we know how many people to expect. But feel free to just drop by, too. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person.
- As you know, many events and programs are being cancelled. CEED has already had significant cancellations by schools and libraries that directly impacts the revenue we need to pay staff and keep our operations running. More importantly, children and communities will miss out on valuable opportunities to learn about nature with Ranger Eric. As an alternative, we are now offering interactive virtual programs using Zoom, Skype, GoTo Meeting, and other video-conferencing capabilities. This includes interactive LIVE Animal Shows, Bobwhite Quail Presentations, our Traveling Rainforest Museum, and more. We hope this allows schools, libraries and other organizations to continue using our special science/nature/biology programs even during these difficult circumstances. Please help us spread the word about this unique programming. Contact Ranger Eric at eric@ceedli.org or call 631-803-6780 for more information.
Thank you for all your help to keep CEED growing and developing new ways to meet our mission. If you have any questions about our response to COVID-19, please email us at info@ceedli.org. Be well.
Sincerely,
Thomas Pelletier, CEED Board Chair